Obituaries

Edward John Tukeva, Jr., of Bethlehem Twp., PA celebrated life for 66 years before going home to be with the Lord on Tuesday, September 1, 2020. Born January 2, 1954 in Stamford, CT he was a son of the late Dolores (Northridge) and Edward Tukeva. A graduate of Easton High School and Penn State, he was president of the family business, Easton News Co., before retiring after 41 years. Ed was a faithful and loving husband, father, son, brother, grandfather, and friend to many. He cherished his wife, Rose, and their three daughters, Elisa, Simone and Natasha. Family was everything to this man, and hockey too. In his younger years, Ed was a typical boy, spending his days down by the river with friends. He learned the game of hockey and became a passionate fan of the game, always rooting for the Boston Bruins. From an early age, Ed learned the value of family and watched out for his sisters. He was dependable. As a father, Ed coached his daughters in several sports. He cared deeply and was always there if they needed anything. He was active. Ed and Rose played in a volleyball league and would attend concerts with friends. Ed spent his free time playing hockey or landscaping his property. He was a simple man that enjoyed the presence of good people and good music. Prior to his death, Ed was joined by family and friends for one last backyard concert. He smiled. He relaxed. And on September 1st, he found rest.

The family would like to give special thanks to his sister-in-law Judith and niece Megan and her husband Ted for their tremendous medical support and guidance during this difficult journey.

He is survived by his wife of 36 years: Rosemary (Seagreaves) Tukeva; daughters: Elisa Tukeva (husband Michael), Simone Tukeva (husband Matt Snyder) all of Nazareth, PA, Natasha Tukeva of Bethlehem Twp.; sisters: Karen Giles of Dunwoody, GA, Vicki Tukeva of San Pablo, CA, Maria Tukeva of Washington, DC, Jan Tukeva Emrick (husband Gary Emrick) of Bushnell, FL; grandchildren: Emerson, Remi, Gavin; aunt: Helen Ritter; mother-in-law: Yachiyo Seagreaves ; nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends. He was predeceased by a sister: Judith Tukeva and father-in-law George Seagreaves, Jr.

Ed’s family will conduct a private celebration of life ceremony. Memorial contributions may be made to Special Hockey of the Lehigh Valley, 5261 Vera Cruz Rd., Center Valley, PA 18034. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Kristi Colleen Cochios, 52, of Bethlehem Twp., PA died Friday, August 28, 2020 at Old Orchard Health Care Center. Born June 25, 1968 in Allentown, PA she was the daughter of Ruth (Coleman) Cochios with whom she resided and the late Charles Cochios. She was a graduate of Freedom High School and Hofstra University. Kristi was a private photographer most of her life, with an emphasis on nature. She also loved traveling and oil painting. She is survived by her mother: Ruth; brother: Bruce Cochios of Bethlehem Twp.; an uncle and cousins.

A calling period will be held from 10 to 11 AM Friday (Sept. 4) in the Ashton Funeral Home, 1337 Northampton St., Easton, PA with a memorial service at 11 AM. PA DOH guidelines will be observed. Interment is in Easton Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Robert R. Ruth, 91, of Forks Township, died Wednesday, August 26, 2020 in St. Luke’s Hospital.

Born November 30, 1928 in Wichita, Kansas, he was a son of the late Ray H. and Elsie (Spencer) Ruth. His wife, Donna M. (Reilly) Link died in 2015.

He was a member of St. Jane Frances de Chantal Church and Fitness Club at Easton.

Surviving are a son, Randy Ruth, four stepchildren, Don Link, Cal Link, Brian Link and Kristi Monks, two siblings, Richard and Mary Jean and seven grandchildren.

Private graveside services will be held at St. Joseph’s Cemetery. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling the arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to www.charwillsrescue.com, a German Shepherd rescue. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Donald E. Buzzard, 78 of Wilson Borough, PA died Tuesday, August 25, 2020 at ManorCare Old Orchard. Born November 9, 1941 in Pen Argyl, PA he was a son of the late Irma (Ackerman) and Vernon Buzzard. A 1960 graduate of Bangor High School he was employed by Blue Ridge-Winkler Textiles, Rebtex, Inc. and after retiring by the Giant in Nazareth.  He was a member of Green Pond United Methodist Church, Easton and a Safe Harbor volunteer.

He is survived by his wife of 29 years: Roberta “Bert” (Long) Buzzard; daughters: Diane Smereczynsky (husband Bill) of W. Easton, Denise Bickford (husband Tim) of Saylorsburg; step-children: Robert Cole (wife Jacki) and Barbara Bearrows of Easton; sister: Kathryn Howells of Doylestown, PA; brother: Robert Buzzard of Bethlehem, PA; grandson: Tyler Bickford; 7 step-grandchildren: Kenny, Mary Kate, Gina, Amanda, Dan, Michael and Tom; niece: Holly; and nephew: Tom. A nephew Timothy died earlier.

A Memorial Service will be held 11 AM, Sunday, August 30 outside (in your car or bring a chair) at Green Pond UM Church, 4411 Green Pond Rd., Easton. Interment will be private in Plainfield Cemetery. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling arrangements.

Memorial contributions may be made to Stroudsburg Area Music Supporters (SAMS), P.O. Box 672, Stroudsburg, PA 18360. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Robert G. Ronn, 88 of Palmer Twp., PA died Monday, August 24, 2020 at St. Luke’s Hospital, Anderson Campus. Born September 12, 1931 in Scotch Plains, NJ he was a son of the late Alma (Nelson) and Gottfried Ronn. He was a graduate of Scotch Plains High School and Upsala College. A Korean War Army veteran, he was employed by Honeywell Corp. and Oliver & McClellan for many years and then as President of Vents Sales in Livingston, NJ before retiring. Robert was a member of St. Paul’s III Lutheran Church, Palmer and former member of Faith Lutheran Church, New Providence, NJ. He was also a member of Vasa Order of America, Theta Epsilon Fraternity and a volunteer at the Canal Museum, Easton.

He is survived by his wife of 61 years, Margaret (Thomason) Ronn; children: Gary Ronn of Manhattan, Lisa Roberts (husband Jeff) of Nazareth, PA, Bruce Ronn of Easton; sister: Hulda Gottlieb of Atlanta, GA and 5 grandchildren: Sean, Krista, Alison, David and Kathryn.

Services will be private at the Faith Lutheran Church Memorial Garden. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling arrangements. Memorial contributions may be made to St. Paul’s III Lutheran Church, 2561 Newburg Rd., Easton, PA 18045 or Faith Lutheran Church, 524 South St., New Providence, NJ 07974. Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

Melanie Rachael Olschewski, 37 of Easton, PA died Monday, August 24, 2020 at St. Luke’s Hospital, Easton. Born August 6, 1983 in Red Bank, NJ, she was a 2001 graduate of Matawan Regional High School. Melanie attended Passaic County Community College and was an independent contractor.

She is survived by her father: Frank Dahl; her children: Steve Olschewski, II, Connor and Piper Edgar; her partner of 13 years: Russel Edgar; 3 sisters and first husband: Steven Olschewski. Her mother, the former Janine Kresch, died earlier.

Services are at the convenience of the family. The Ashton Funeral Home, Easton is handling arrangements.  Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralHome.com.

John L ”Jack” Gardner, age 94 of Nazareth, Pennsylvania was called home on August 21, 2020.

We are heartbroken over our loss, but thankful for Jack’s well lived life and knowing that we will see him again. Jack was humble, gracious, kind and loving. He loved life, his family and the Lord.

Jack was born in Dover, Delaware on January 14, 1926, the son of John H Gardner and Mary J Ott Gardner. He graduated from Wilson High School with the class of 1944. Upon graduating from high school, he enlisted in the United States Navy to serve his country during World War II. He graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Biochemistry and was a lifelong Nittany Lion fan. He worked with Central Scientific Company, Varian and Associates, and Ohaus Scale Corporation in various roles in leading National Sales teams.

Jack married the absolute love of his life, Eleanor May Hufnagel on Nov 19, 1950. Anyone who knew Jack would say his love and devotion for Eleanor was eternal.

A very active member of Olivet Presbyterian Church in Easton, Pennsylvania, he served as Sunday School Teacher, Trustee and Elder, and also served on the Lehigh Valley Presbytery. Jack was active in the Boy Scouts leading troops V-13 and 25. He volunteered with various organizations including Safe Harbor, Miller Blood Bank, Meals on Wheels, and the Easton Exchange Club.

Jack and Eleanor enjoyed travel throughout the United States and Europe. He loved any event that involved his children and grandchildren. He enjoyed fishing, golf and country music. He always had a project going around the house and garden that kept him busy. But, a perfect day would be spent with family at “The Green House” in Ocean City NJ.

Jack was predeceased by his wife of 67 years, Eleanor. He is survived by his son John E Gardner (wife Laurie B) of Furlong, Pennsylvania and daughter Lori E Wollman (husband Frederick W) of Raleigh, North Carolina. He considered himself to be extremely blessed by his four grandchildren, Lindsey Wade (husband John), Bob Gardner, Christopher Wollman (wife Jessica) and William Wollman (wife Meghan).

The family especially wishes to thank the staff at Moravian Hall Square for their care, love and support. Contributions may be made to the Good Samaritan Fund or the Employee Assistance Fund at Moravian Hall Square, 175 W. North Street, Nazareth, PA 18064.

Private graveside services will be held at Easton Heights Cemetery.
Offer online condolences at www.AshtonFuneralhome.com.